Don’t be shocked if you quickly see a heavy goods car (HGV) speeding down the road considerably more quickly than you’d generally anticipate.
The government has just announced plans to improve the speed limit for HGVs of much more than 7.5 tonnes from 40mph to 50mph on single carriageways.
The change is likely to turn into law in early 2015 and covers roads outside constructed-up regions in England and Wales – unless distinct reduced speed limits are in place.
Fast & furious
The government in fact appears determined to get HGVs moving more rapidly: it has also announced a consultation period to up the national speed limit for HGVs on dual carriageways from 50mph to 60mph.
If it gets the go ahead, this new speed limit would also apply from 2015.
A OK?
So what’s the rush? The government argues that the modify in the speed limit is lengthy overdue and would decrease delays and congestion, specifically on busy single carriageway A-roads.
It would also bring the UK in line with other European countries such as the Netherlands and Norway.
In addition, proof suggests that lorry drivers frequently break the existing limit. The government says 75% of HGV drivers pay no heed to the speed restrictions at any specific time.
Who knew they were such law-breakers? Gosh.
Nevertheless, it seems a curious sort of logic to enhance the limit to accommodate those who had been flouting the regulations.
Surprise, surprise
Surprisingly, the enhance in the speed limit for HGVs could boost road security.
It may well be counterintuitive, but some specialists think the closure of the 20 mph gap between the lorry and car speed limits on single carriageways will cut hazardous overtaking, and as a result accidents.
Malcolm Bingham, head of road ne2rk management policy at the Freight Transport Association (FTA), has a clear interest in the debate. But here’s what he says: “The FTA strongly supports this selection. We believe there is evidence confirming that road security will be improved if the differential between HGVs and other road customers is decreased.
“Many motorists do not realize that the limit for lorries is only 40mph and this can lead to aggravation and, on occasion, risky overtaking.”
Danish pass trials
The RAC, which also backs the larger speed limit, cites a 2-year trial in Denmark.
When speed limits on some Danish rural roads went up from 80km/h (50mph) to 90km/h (56mph), it led to fewer collisions and fewer deaths.
An RAC spokesperson says: “The move has helped decrease aggravation among more quickly drivers, and stopped them from performing harmful overtaking manoeuvres.”
Braking undesirable
Road security campaigners are not convinced.
Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of Brake, the road security charity, says: “We are disappointed and concerned by this announcement. Put basically, when autos travel quicker, it takes them longer to quit, rising threat.
“It is very well evidenced that increases in speed equal increases in crashes and casualties.
“At the very same time, the road security justification for this move is dubious. We are not conscious of evidence it will support tackle risky overtaking, which ought to be addressed via other signifies.”
Brake acknowledges that “pronounced” speed differences among site visitors can pose a risk, but argues that the way to solve the issue is via driver education and greater enforcement of the existing speed limits.
Blighted Blighty
There’s also the issue of rural communities, which can be blighted by quickly targeted traffic. There’s nothing can spoil a countryside idyll fairly like a 10-tonne lorry rattling via the lanes at 50 mph.
Still, the government appears fairly determined. It is also keen to stress its security credentials, urging councils to use powers granted final year to restrict traffic to 30mph, 40mph or 50mph exactly where necessary since of pedestrians and cyclists, the road place or layout.
Truck stops
It points out, also, that the change will usher in tougher procedures and sanctions for lorry drivers caught exceeding the new speed limits.
The coalition is also consulting on adjustments to boost enforcement against tired HGV drivers, which includes these primarily based abroad.
Of course, only time will tell if a larger speed limit will result in a reduce accident rate.
But let’s hope for safety’s sake that the government has completed its analysis. Otherwise we could all be extremely sorry.
Heavy visitors – HGV speed limits on the up
